Vampire Eternal: A Heartblaze Novel

Heartblaze #3

by Shay Roberts

"The heart of Twilight and the soul of Outlander"

"When I started reading I couldn't put it down." – Ana ★★★★★

"This suspense-filled finale will have you biting your nails. I ruined my manicure, so sad." – Cbowman ★★★★★

"Full of twists and turns, nearly all of which took me by surprise." – Oscar ★★★★★

"I am in love with this story, these characters, this author!" – Olpster ★★★★★

Heartblaze is the groundbreaking new paranormal series that leaves you breathless and eager for more. Book three, the final book of Emma’s saga, begins exactly where book two ended. Grab this page-turner now and continue your roller-coaster tour of this wonderfully elaborate paranormal world, perfect for fans of Twilight, A Shade of Vampire, and Outlander.
My name is Emma. A witch named Rowan stole my dagger, a Fae artifact that will destroy the world if I can’t get it back. But how can I recover it if I don’t have a body? The bitch stole that too.


My name is Stefan. I lead the team trying to rescue Emma. We’re getting picked off one by one. I’ll fight until the end to save Emma, but the Norse godling inside me has other plans.


"Brilliant writing, so much intrigue." – Rebecca ★★★★★

"Blends history and fantasy in a unique and imaginative way." – Kattomic Book Blog ★★★★★

"This story has all the elements that you crave in a sci-fi/fantasy book; fully developed characters, complicated plot twists, danger, adventure and really great villains." – Dee ★★★★★

"An excellent choice for fans of fantasy, paranormal romance, supernatural beings, or historical fiction." – Dreamer J ★★★★★


AUTHOR Q&A

How would you describe this series?

The books are fast-paced paranormal thrillers with both action and romance. When I began writing this series, I set out to create something that would challenge readers. I believe most readers are smart people who enjoy a thought-provoking book. Heartblaze is told from the point of view of multiple characters and takes place in the present-day as well as the past (much like Outlander.) These books are not for people looking for light and fluffy reading, nor for readers completely unfamiliar with the paranormal genre.

Is this series appropriate for all ages?

No. It is not appropriate for children. The series is written for adults, young adults, and mature teens.

What types of creatures are in the novel?

Quite a number: vampires, werewolves, werebears, ghosts, witches, and fae. All of them are portrayed in new ways. For example, the werewolves are shifters who channel animal spirits from the distant past. The fae have their own unique language that plays a role in some of the books. It’s a functional language that I spent a year developing!

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Supernatural, Magic, Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2017

About the author

Shay Roberts, a USA Today bestselling fantasy author, has a reputation for writing page-turning novels with captivating characters.

Shay began writing as a child, scribbling stories on the walls of the family home. In ink. As you can imagine, they were poorly received. But when the young author moved to pencil and paper, a career was born.

The medieval world is a frequent setting for the writer’s works. Passionate about Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), Shay founded the Academy of Arms, a nonprofit medieval martial arts school in Los Angeles. As an instructor, the author developed expertise in various dueling weapons, including the longsword and pollaxe, and later discovered these skills are counterproductive in office situations.

Shay is also an instrument-rated pilot with a diverse educational background, including an MA in Screenwriting, a BS in Biology, and a BA in English. This is another way of saying Shay never wanted to leave college and join the “real world.”

When not slaving over a new novel, the author plays open-world RPGs and explores the latest tech gadgets. Shay enjoys a healthy lifestyle that includes cooking, working out, fermenting vegetables, and brewing kombucha. The writer’s cherry-ginger kombucha has been particularly well-received.

The author finds Pomskies and Russian Blues to be the most adorable of all creatures and will duel anyone who says otherwise. As an animal lover, there is always a place in Shay’s books for another furry friend.

Currently, the author spends much of the year in Portugal, embracing the culture and learning the language. É muito difícil! With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and friendly people, Portugal is the perfect place for writing spellbinding novels. Be advised, if you ever want to visit this lovely country, you are required to love futebol and swear allegiance to Ronaldo.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

"4.75" Stars from me!!

The journey continues and once again the author succeeded to capture my mind and live the adventure beside our characters who i grow to like more and more.

The struggles and the obstacles for Emma and Julian continue to exist and makes their anticipating
reunion that they so much desire even more difficult, the suspense was very high as the plot developed steadily keeping me stuck in my sit waiting to see what will happen next and how the story will unravel..

Honestly i really like Julian and his personality but i have a little crush on Stephan he succeeded to win my heart so it's impossible not to mention that his narrative was captivating..As for Rowan she also as a villain won rightfully my hate with her schemes....

Well generally the story was very enjoyable with its multiple narrative and the dialogues were also an interesting part of the story, I certainly recommend it and i'm hoping to read another part cause really the series are amazing or even maybe Stephan's own story!!

~ Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~

[Katherine Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This paranormal thriller/romance series continues to impress with the author's deft intertwining of history and fantasy. With every book, his paranormal universe has expanded, and this--the final book in "Emma's Saga"--goes out with a bang. Great female characters are a bonus too--powerful women rule every corner of the Heartblaze paranormal universe, and if that was the ONLY thing Roberts did right, it would be worth reading the books just for that reason. But the author is a story teller with a capital S, and the elements of the plot--some of them seeded as early as the first book--mesh like jeweled clockwork. Every word has a purpose, every page has a surprise, every chapter moves the story forward. This series has been a pure pleasure to read, and it's good to know there will be other books coming set in this world.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Heartblaze 1 and 2 so much, I was a bit afraid to start part 3. How could it be just as good? Well, it is! I loved this one as well! I just couldn't stop reading!
It is a fast paced story, filled with adventure, wonderful characters and interesting times and places!

I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Shay Roberts, for giving me a chance to read this! Please, keep writing!

[Damian Southam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disembodied Emma knows the trouble she's avoiding whilst finally experiencing a taste of the joy that comes from spending time in the company of her soulmate Julian, even if its only in Memoria. But for young Emma she does have a body to return to, even if it's currently hijacked, and if she can play her cards right, so will Julilan (but if that awareness is to come it won't be until much later). Síndóm will finally be used to alter reality as its original owner intended, for the untold number of souls which will no longer be able to follow the Tunnel of reincarnation if Rowan kills the Builder. But whether she knows it now or not, the fae dagger has the potential for great good to come from Emma wielding it. Emma needs to find a way to stop Rowan and her unique gifts as a Transcendent soul give her the edge no one else has had. Getting back into her body is just the start of the mammoth effort it will take, and how many of her helpers will still be alive at the end of their epic battle to see that possible is unknown. Whilst they fight for her, she'll need to fight for everyone.

Whilst Emma and Julian use Memoria to conjure memories that will hopefully provide important clues, her friends are busy taking an account of what has taken place and fighting off the zombies raised by Rowan to distract them whilst she escapes. Utilising her cunning and fae-witch magic, Rowan meanwhile puts in to play her nefarious plans, making use of Emma's youthful body and her goals for using Síndóm. In uncharacteristic moments the use of Emma's body shows a melancholy only previously seen when she discovered her lover's dead body. As Stefan collects those who are to help him track down and recover Emma's body, it becomes apparent that the Black Rose Society is against involvement in any affairs other than their own. Their shortsidedness will possibly affect their future greatly, they're just too stupid to know it. Vera Gentis is an unapproved hidden society and disregarding Emma as a previous BRS initiate, the only malady the BRS sees influences the inconsequential mortals they care little for. Tangling with the Witch Empress and her minions isn't an action many in the supernatural community consider to be a priority, if an approved effort at all. Lorance is called up to attend his queen, so the resources needed must be kept secret, if Stefan is to have any chance at all.

The future, as once again Emma takes up residence in another of her incarnations and avatars, is a dystopian world affected greatly by events that take place because of Rowan's meddling. Between her necromantic spells and destroying the Tunnel Builder, shades, starvation, civil unrest and the destruction of most technologies, is just the tip of the iceberg of the ending of social life as we know it. The future is a dire struggle and people untainted by Rowan's plans are at risk of becoming extinct. As her new alter ego, Governor Larkin, Emma tries to quickly get a grasp on all that has occurred between her disembodiment and the past seventy-plus-years, as for Larkin the present is now 2088. Unlike the past which has already occurred and therefore offers clues to what will take place, the future is a complete unknown to Emma's soul. The captain of her guard, Gault Abbot, is a future incarnation of Stefan, who is now completely human, just as Emma once was, and is also once again a lover. Whilst Emma was previously able to see to the actions necessary to keep history playing out the necessary course, she'll now need to find a way to do the opposite. If Emma finds her barings quick enough, and the clues whilst in Larkin's body, she might find the right questions to ask.

The past once again takes on an important role, and Emma finds herself revisiting Hanna's life, back in 1509. The good deed she did for Hal, despite his station, hasn't been enough to protect Hanna. Síndóm was used to kill Hal's treacherous brother, who'd fallen under the influence of Rowan, but Emma was not able to use it against Rowan herself. As expected Rowan has been able to extend her influence again and has not given up her goal to recover her mother's missing dagger. Keeping Síndóm from getting into Rowan's hands was the only play available following the events which took place in Hal and Hanna's secret cave; now she faces assured torture and probable death unless she reveals what happened to Síndóm. Hanna's fear of the upcoming torture in the Bloody Tower has prompted Hanna to call on Emma's soul, in the hope it'll help her get through her upcoming pain. Of course, from Emma's perspective she believes Hanna to be the tougher of the two and thus had a greater chance of enduring. She can hardly blame the scared girl for trying to ameliorate her situation, but she now has to worry if she'll buckle under the torture.

Most importantly though, and hopefully seen by Emma, the two timelines and incarnations she's being drawn to present answers to the questions Emma needs to ask. Once she works out the important questions, seeking the answers might lead her to solving the greater riddle. Unfortunately this is not the full extent of problems to be solved, but they do go a good way toward helping Emma to keep her friends and the world of her present life safe. The remaining problem of being disembodied assures two things: firstly, that should she solve the riddle of Síndóm she'll at best have only Memoria available to her if she can work out how to get back to Julian; and secondly, for Emma to win completely she's reliant on the dedication of Stefan's love and the commitments of the psuedo-friends he collects to help him save Emma from the ultimate ending of problem one. Therein lies the romanticism of the storyline regardless of the diabolical nature of the problems that exist: love, trust, dedication and friendship are the tools by which most characters will apply their wills, to see that neither of their two evil combatants succeed. That is to say, that neither Rowan nor KoR win the day. Fortunately for our heroes and heroines, Rowan hasn't created and fostered relationships, and is thus isolated in her efforts by the methods she's used.

The deep intricacies to the plot make a defining feature of Shay's writing. The complexity of coordinating events subject to changes brought about by changes in time require an enormous control over where a story can and cannot go. The linear direction of most stories that travel from A-The Introduction, to B-The Body, to C-The Conclusion aren't nearly as structurally simple: not to imply that writing a story is ever simple. The depth of B is such that it must go through many changes before it reaches C. Indeed, I imagine that stories involving changes in timelines require B to first travel through the letters B to somewhere around G, such that the resulting conclusion becomes H. The mechaniam of time within has a greater biological nature, adding a hint of science fiction only; whilst firmly retaining the paranormal and the supernatural. The methodology chosen is much more suited to the broader aspects of the relevant genres, adding elements that should make the series even more appealing to a wider reader base.

Shay's novels have been imaginative and thick with mystery, whilst not becoming wildly inconceivable. Straight forward language with enough cultural icons to guess with some accuracy at the writer's nationality, without making it difficult for other cultural readers to translare, shows a willingness to bend to reader needs through an awareness of the icons only our own culture knows. From my own personal experience I can attest to the level of consultation used in compiling the final edit, and its these processes and standards that ensure readers get not only an enjoyable experience, but also great value for their dollar. For fans this isn't always a critical component but for new readers looking to ensure the additions to their libraries are well spent, I'd challenge anyone to validate their criticisms when it comes to the checkboxes we use to evaluate what we read. The Heartblaze Trilogy thus far isn't just another, in a very long line, vampire story; its transcended (pun intended) what we've come to expect.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartblaze: Vampire Eternal by Shay Roberts is book 3 in his Heartblaze series. In this book we are reunited with Emma, Stefan and the others and the story picks up right where it left off in book 2 with Rowan stealing Emma’s body and disappearing with her into an alternate plane so that she can escape. Now Rowan has the dagger that she has been seeking all this time and trying time and time again to regain possession of it but failing each time until now. Now it is up to Stefan and the Black Rose Society to get both Emma and the dagger back before Rowan can bring utter chaos to the world and bring about a future that will be less than pleasant. This will not be an easy road for any of them but especially not for Emma as she travels back and forth between incarnates of herself trying to piece together a puzzle that demands to be solved while Stefan works to find her with the aid of others unknown to either of them that KoR is gathering as well to track them down and bring them to an end.
When we pick up the story in book 3 things are a bit slow at getting going for a while as we try to come to terms with what has happened to Emma and that Rowan is now in control of her and we begin to see that Rowan gradually begins to lean toward not wishing to let go of this young new body. Rowan is a very clever witch as we have seen before and continue to see time and again with the incarnations that Emma herself deals with.
I especially find the future incarnation of Emma, Larkin, to be especially fascinating as she is not only very unique but the time period that she finds herself living in is both future but is a mix of the past as well. I’ll admit that this time around the shifting in between incarnates of Hannah and Larkin and then shifting to Rowan and Stefan gets a bit confusing at times but that is mostly only when the story line begins to flow a bit faster and smoother.
There are definitely surprise elements throughout this story that really do add to it and make it an engaging read once you hit your stride with it and once again become drawn into the world of Heartblaze. The story jumps back and forth leaving you wondering what is going on with the character you just left behind but that just gears you up to have you read on to find out what happens next.
This is a story and series that I have really come to enjoy and so I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It starts out a bit rough and bumpy in spots but once you and the author really hit your stride then this book flows really smoothly and engages you with few side trips that would otherwise be very distracting. If you have read thus far into the Heartblaze series then I encourage you to continue and read further.

[Johanna Faith Galanido · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most thrillingand exciting book of the series. Every chapter sent chills as the suspense grows. Julian’s fate made Emma’s obstacles even harder as she struggles to save him along with the world and people important to her by looking for Síndóm and killing Rowan. Every chapter held a problem, a question and an answer. More incarnations are introduced that showed personalities that differ from Emma herself but held her bravery throughout the story. Also, these incarnations made reading this book more exciting because of the personality and time jumping. It didn't even made the book confusing to read and understand. More characters are added to the group that makes the story more exciting. Questions that had been raised before are answered as the excitement and thrill grows.
I personally love this book because of its plot and composition. It is one of those books you won’t stop reading because of the emotions and imaginations it brings upon the reader. Also, I seriously love vampires and any of the supernatural world.
One more thing I love about these books are that they reflect today’s society, showing off the struggles, betrayal, obstacles and characters people meet every day. It made me reflect in real life.
It is seriously fun to read. As you read, you will really feel that you’re the characters yourself. These are books worth reading! As always, the ending will make you want more.

[Dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

‘Vampire Eternal’ is the gripping conclusion to Shay Roberts’ magical and compelling historical fiction ‘Heartblaze’ series. As usual, Roberts’ writing seamlessly integrates narration from several points of view, as the story covers multiple time periods and supernatural beings.

The ‘Heartblaze’ world is a historical fantasy with many supernatural aspects; vampires, were wolves, were bears, witches, faeries, ghosts, and more. Soul mates share a special and powerful connection that can span centuries and reincarnation. While the plot has a large and developed focus, one of the main points is the connection between soul mates Emma Rue/Cassandra and Julian. This series pulled my heartstrings a bit.

An excellent choice for fans of fantasy, paranormal romance, supernatural beings, or historical fiction.

Thanks to author Shay Roberts for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single books of his to date, my favorite being Christmas with the Vampire and which I intend to read over again each year at least once at this time of year. Amazon keeps changing categories for ratings, just look to the stars. #4 did beta for so out soon.

Heartblaze 1: Vampire Soul (Heartblaze #1) Heartblaze 1 Bonus Story: Wildwood
Heartblaze 2: Vampire Rising (Heartblaze #2) Heartblaze 2 Bonus Story: Shadow Plague
Heartblaze 3: Vampire Eternal
Heartblaze 4: Werewolf Unchained
Wolfheart: A Heartblaze Novelette
Valentine Witch: A Heartblaze Novelette
Christmas with the Vampire

goodreads for some reason didn't bring my original reading dates up, left blank, so set today

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Heartblaze series.
This third volume in the Heartblaze series continues Emma and Julian's story as they chase Sindon and Rowen through history. The story is sometimes a bit jerky as the point of view jumps from Emma to her past and future incarnations to Stefan but Roberts controls the flow and pulls it all together nicely in the end and we have the sense that Emma may finally have a chance at her happily ever after although the last few pages see a new rising of the KoR and suggest that Stefan's future may not be as settled as his friend Emma's ... and so, I'll be waiting with great interest for the next story in the series.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Emma's journey through all of her incarnations was fascinating and I loved all her characters. I am looking forward to continuing Emma and Julian's story along with Lorance and Augustin as I am sure there is more to their story. Stefan proves himself a hero in every book and I hope he gets a happy ending in the next book, I really want him to. I received a free copy of this book and chose to give an honest review.

[Sherry Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book finds Emma on a journey to get Julian out of Memoria. It has so many twist and turns. You go back into the past to Hanna and into the future to meet Larkin. It is a beautiful story of love and strength. If you loved the first two Heartblaze books you will love this one as well. Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay Roberts, once again, takes her characters and her readers on a dazzling, sometimes dizzying, magical trip through the past present and future with her reincarnation, vampires, and witches, both good and evil. The characters are put through some tremendous trials and tribulations as they struggle to achieve their final goals, all described in superb detail for each time period revealed. This is a voluntary review in exchange of the book from Snowfire Press.

[Stacy Gallina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending

As others have noted, the ending tied all loose ends, but also left room for spinoffs. The series was well written and thought thoroughly. I plan on reading more of this author's books. I also hope a spin-off includes Stefan maybe even Espen. There were just so many characters that I would not mind to learn more about. That is how you know you read a good book because the characters stay with you even when the series ends.

[Donna Lavalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changing The Future

I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it. It awesome to see how Emma grew throughout it. That her soul sight became much stronger to point she could tell whose soul from the past, present and future go together. I recommend this book to anyone that loves vampires.

[Samantha Silensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved his final chapter in Emma’s saga as much as the previous ones. Shay has beautifully wrapped up loose ends and tied everything together in a magnificent way. I did feel a little disappointed at the way the ending made certain things null and void, but I still loved this series and couldnt be happier with the complexity and mystery that shay managed to bring through all 3 books.

[Valerie Jondahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third and final installment in Emma's story delivers a satisfying conclusion. There are plenty of twists and turns and all the loose ends are tied up. Emma is a truly strong heroine who keeps going no matter how tough things get.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy.

[Wendy Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is awesome. The amount of imagination Shay puts into the storyline, bouncing back and forth between centuries is uncanny. His writing style is like none I've read. It's an honor to read his books. A definite 5 star read
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maryann mayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very impressive book the series itself takes and get you from the beginning and wanting more. Very wonderful book love the characters and the plot and how it all comes together and keeps me wanting more.

[Beliinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Shay brings life to this story.

Shady brings the readers into his writing. You feel like your living thru the eyes of each character.
One of the kind book you want to read every word. Great adventure!!!

[ReadeR · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vampire Eternal (Just Finished Series)

First read from this author. Keeps reader interested has many interesting characters several points of views even though can get hectic worth the read wish there was more in depth romance from main characters I want more “Julian”

[Shae Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay Roberts has done another amazing job in the Emma Saga Series. It was hard to take a break at points to even sleep. I hope to see more to come in this series.
“Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.”

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was one of the best conclusions to a story, that I've read in a long time. All loose ends were tied up. I just wished Emma chose the werewolf... He was so much more worth it, than the vampire... Cannot wait for what's next!!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the series progresses, the books get even better. Fast paced, hard to put down! I get drawn in in the 1st few sentences. Shay Roberts discriptions and story telling makes the fantasies unfold as if I am there. Wonderful.

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow doesn't seem good enough a word, but then I am a reader not a writer, I utterly loved Heartblaze #3 fast paced,love,heroic deeds epically done, thank you Shay x

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent story and loved the way all the ends tied together!

Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores Emma's abilities even more. I was so enthralled by the story that I forgot the time, life and everything. An awesome continuation to this exciting saga.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

What a beautiful ending to the vampires. I’m glad that the series continues with the wolves because I have so many more questions left unanswered.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant writing, so much intrigue. You just want to keep reading to see what happens next. Ending was perfect for Emma And Julian. Loved it.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storyline normally jumping from one person to another confuses me but in this story I wasn't confused. Under standing all the complex story lines was pretty easy for me. Awesome book.

[Kathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaky Roberts is a great written I love his books you can get right into the story